To format a Kindle eBook, finish and proofread your text, apply real styles for headings and body text, add a linked table of contents, insert images carefully and export a file that Kindle Direct Publishing accepts, such as an EPUB or a KPF from Amazon’s Kindle Create tool. Then test it in Kindle Previewer and fix any problems before you upload. A Kindle book is reflowable, so you control the structure and not the page.
This guide walks through each step, explains the file types KDP accepts, lists the most common errors and tells you when to hire a formatter. If you want the file done for you, our KDP formatting services and Kindle eBook publishing cover the whole process. For both print and eBook, see how to format a book for print and eBook.
Key takeaways
- A Kindle eBook is reflowable, so use styles and structure, not manual spacing
- KDP accepts EPUB, KPF from Kindle Create and Word files, and a clean EPUB or KPF is usually the safest
- A linked table of contents is essential for navigation and for Amazon’s checks
- Test in Kindle Previewer on several device views before you upload
- File size affects delivery cost under the 70 percent royalty option, so optimise images
In this article
- What file types does KDP accept for Kindle eBooks?
- How do I prepare the manuscript?
- How do I add a table of contents?
- How should I handle images and tables?
- What is the difference between reflowable and fixed-layout?
- How do I test the file?
- What mistakes cause rejections or bad reviews?
- When should I hire a formatter?
- Frequently asked questions
- Services that can help
What file types does KDP accept for Kindle eBooks?
KDP accepts several formats for eBooks, including EPUB, a Word document and KPF files produced by Kindle Create, and Amazon changes the list from time to time. A clean EPUB or KPF usually gives the most control. A Word file can work for simple books, but conversion can introduce odd spacing or missing breaks if the document uses manual formatting. Whatever you choose, check the current KDP help pages for the formats and size limits that apply.
How do I prepare the manuscript?
Finish editing and proofreading first, because every later change risks breaking the layout. Remove tabs, multiple spaces and manual line breaks, and use consistent paragraph settings. Apply a heading style to every chapter title, a body style to the main text and separate styles for block quotes, lists and notes. Keep front matter and back matter in order, with a title page, copyright page, dedication and any author note. Clean text converts well and reads well on every device.
How do I add a table of contents?
A Kindle eBook needs a linked table of contents so readers can jump between chapters, and Amazon expects one for most books. If you use heading styles, most tools generate it automatically from the headings. Check that every entry links to the right place and that the order matches the book. Also add a logical NCX or navigation list if your tool creates one. A broken or missing table of contents is one of the most common reasons for poor reviews and failed checks.
How should I handle images and tables?
Use images only where they add value, keep them at a sensible resolution and insert them as inline images with alt text, since the text will reflow around them. Large images raise file size, which affects the delivery cost under the 70 percent royalty option. Tables should be simple, because wide tables break on small screens, and you may need to present them as images or rework them as lists. Always test these elements on a phone view.
What is the difference between reflowable and fixed-layout?
Most eBooks are reflowable: the text adapts to the screen and the reader’s font settings. A fixed-layout eBook keeps the exact position of text and images on each page, which suits picture books, comics and cookbooks with elaborate layouts. Fixed-layout files are larger, harder to make and have stricter rules. Unless your book depends on the design of each page, choose reflowable, because it is more readable and more reliable on all devices.
How do I test the file?
Open the file in Kindle Previewer, which Amazon provides, and check it in the views it offers for phones, tablets and e-readers. Read every page, click each table of contents entry, check images and look at the start of every chapter. Change the font size and check that the text still flows. Fix any problems in the source file and export again, instead of patching the output. Testing before upload saves you from reviews that mention formatting errors.
What mistakes cause rejections or bad reviews?
- Using tabs and spaces for indentation, which break on some devices
- Missing or broken table of contents links
- Images that are too large or too small
- Missing alt text and cover images that do not meet KDP’s size rules
- Hard page breaks in the wrong place, creating blank pages
- Fonts embedded in the wrong way or odd characters from copy and paste
Most of these are easy to avoid with clean styles and a thorough test.
When should I hire a formatter?
Hire a formatter if your book has many images, tables, footnotes, poetry or a complex layout, if you want a polished design with decorative chapter openers or if earlier uploads have failed. A professional also helps authors with a series who want a consistent look. If you format yourself, keep the design simple and test thoroughly. Whichever route you choose, preview the file in KDP’s own previewer before you publish. Our guide to publishing on Amazon KDP shows the upload steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best file format for a Kindle book?
A clean EPUB or a KPF from Kindle Create is usually the best choice. Word files can work for simple books.
Do I need Kindle Create?
No, but it is a free Amazon tool that makes simple books easy, and it produces a KPF file KDP accepts.
Why does my Kindle book have strange spacing?
Usually because the manuscript used tabs, extra spaces or manual line breaks. Replace them with paragraph styles.
Can I use the same file for other stores?
An EPUB can usually be used on other stores, but each store checks files differently, so test it for each.
How big can a Kindle file be?
KDP sets size limits, and the delivery cost under the 70 percent royalty option depends on file size. Check the current help pages.
What if KDP rejects my file?
Read the message, fix the cause in the source file and upload again. We can help if you are stuck.
Should I convert my Word file to EPUB myself?
You can for a simple book, but check the result carefully. A Word file with manual spacing often converts badly, so clean styles matter more than the tool.
Services that can help
- KDP formatting services
- Kindle eBook publishing
- Book formatting and typesetting
- eBook publishing
- Amazon KDP publishing services
This guide is part of our amazon publishing guides and connects to our amazon publishing services.